"A resolution to this long running dispute was within the grasp of British Airways, but instead of grabbing that opportunity, bosses rebuffed it.

"It now means British Airways faces an entirely avoidable two week strike and prolonged legal action on behalf of over 1,400 mixed cabin crew.

"Unite believes the divisive way British Airways has targeted striking members of cabin crew is unlawful and amounts to blacklisting.

"The airline should be under no illusion of Unite's intent to pursue justice on behalf of its members all the way to the highest court in the land. We would urge British Airways' bosses to come to their senses and think again."

There has been a total of 26 days of strike action since the beginning of January.

A BA spokesman said: "As for previous periods when Unite called strikes of mixed fleet cabin crew, we will fly all our customers to their destinations.

"This proposed strike action is extreme and completely unnecessary. We had reached a deal on pay, which Unite agreed was acceptable.

"Unite has already confirmed it is pursuing the non-pay issues in this dispute through the courts. We urge Unite to let its members vote on the pay proposals."

This article was written by Telegraph Reporters from The Telegraph and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected].